Bidding for this lot will end on Sunday, December 7th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM GMT (7:00AM PST) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, December 5th or Saturday, December 6th.

An outstanding hand-painted cel setup for one of the most memorable horror parodies in Simpsons history, featured in "Treehouse of Horror VIII", first aired on October 26, 1997. Treehouse of Horror episodes were made up of just three short stories, which meant fewer cels are available for collectors compared to regular episodes.

In the segment "Fly vs. Fly," Bart mischievously experiments with Professor Frink's matter transporter and fuses with a housefly, in a fabulous pastiche of David Cronenberg's The Fly. This results in Bart-Fly buzzing upside down from the ceiling, grotesquely drooling green slime onto a horrified Lisa, who clutches her saxophone in shock.

It is a superb example of what makes Simpsons Halloween cels so coveted: parody, physical comedy and instantly recognisable characterisation. Lisa's frozen expression captures her classic exasperation, while Bart-Fly's distorted figure pays tribute to the B-movie and horror inspirations that shaped the series.

Hand-painted and set over a presentation background, with the official 20th Century Fox seal, this piece represents both the artistry and wit of The Simpsons at its best. The lot comes with a 20th Century Fox Original Animation Art Simpsons certificate of authenticity.

Treehouse of Horror cels rarely surface on the market, and to have one from such a distinctive gag, with both Bart and Lisa in the same frame, marks this as a genuine highlight for any Simpsons or animation art collection. Dimensions (mounted): 38.5 cm x 45 cm (15.25" x 17.75")

Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.

Estimate: £500 - 1,000 M

View all lots from SIMPSONS, THE (TV SERIES, 1989-PRESENT)